US8264350B2 - Adjustable constraining adaptive insert for merchandise security tag and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A security system includes a security device and a spacer. The security device defines a first opening having a first diameter. The spacer is removably positionable in the first opening to create a center opening having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. The security device includes a magnetically actuable locking mechanism and a housing having the magnetically actuable locking mechanism disposed therein. The locking mechanism includes a magnetically actuable latch, a belt configured to provide a latch mating element for the latch, and a flexible element to bias the magnetically actuable latch and the belt into a locked position. The housing includes a passageway which defines a belt pathway configured to slidingly receive the belt therein.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/792,632 entitled “Security Device for a Bottle” filed Jun. 7, 2007, which is a U.S. National Stage Application of PCT/US2005/044688 titled “Security Device for a Bottle”, filed Dec. 7, 2005, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/633,813 titled “Improved EAS Security Tags” filed Dec. 7, 2004, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/683,657 titled “Improved EAS Security Tags” filed May 23, 2005. This Application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/967,416 titled “Security Device for a Bottle” filed Sep. 4, 2007, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/028,367 titled “Security Device, Spacer and System for Articles Having a Cylinder-Like Neck” filed Feb. 13, 2008, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

n/a

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to Electronic Article Surveillance (“EAS”) systems for the prevention of unauthorized removal of an item from a controlled area, and more particularly to an EAS security tag and adaptive insert configured for attachment to various sized bottles or other articles having an elongated portion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A typical Electronic Article Surveillance (“EAS”) system in a retail setting may comprise a monitoring system and one or more security tags or labels attached to articles to be protected from unauthorized removal. The monitoring system establishes a surveillance zone (also referred to as an interrogation zone), usually at an access point for the controlled area. Articles which are authorized for removal from the area can be deactivated or removed so as not to be detectable by the monitoring system. If the monitored item enters the surveillance zone with an active security tag, an alarm may be triggered to indicate possible unauthorized removal of the item.

As is known in the art, security tags (also referred to as labels) for EAS systems can be constructed in any number of configurations. The desired configuration of the tag or label is often dictated by the nature of the article to be protected. For example, an EAS label may be enclosed in a rigid housing which can be secured to the monitored item, such as hard tags containing EAS labels which are commonly attached to clothing in retail stores. For pre-packaged goods which are subject to retail theft, such as CDs, DVDs, small electronic devices, etc., an EAS label may be disposed within the packaging in such a way that it is hidden from the consumer at least during the pre-purchase period.

Some types of non-packaged consumer products which are sold in a retail setting have irregular shapes which are not readily adaptable for one-size-fits-all EAS tagging methods. Examples of such articles are golf clubs and a glass bottle having a tapered neck and a closure cap such as those which may contain wine or liquor. The products contained in the glass bottles can be expensive, and they are often displayed unprotected on retail shelves where they can be manually retrieved by a consumer for purchase. In such a setting, the bottles are vulnerable to shoplifting. It is therefore desirable to provide an inexpensive EAS security device which is adapted for attachment to a glass bottle or other object having an elongated portion.

Additionally, as cylindrical objects have a variety of diameters, a security device that fits an object having a relatively large diameter may be too large to be securely attached to an object having a small diameter. It is readily understandable that some objects, for example bottles, may have necks that are very narrow. For example, articles such as golf clubs and fishing poles, which may be very expensive, have an extremely thin shaft.

Therefore, what is needed is an EAS security device and adaptive insert that is adaptable to fit bottles and other objects having varying diameter elongated portions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention advantageously provides a method, security system and spacer and system for protecting an object having an elongated portion from theft. Generally, the present invention provides a spacer for use in combination with a security device for protecting an object having an elongated portion with a small diameter, such as bottles, golf clubs, fishing poles, high-heeled shoes, etc. The spacer is inserted into a central opening of the security device and affixed to the elongated portion of the object, thereby preventing the security device from being removed from the object.

One aspect of the present invention provides a security system which includes a security device and a spacer. The security device defines a first opening having a first diameter and the spacer is removably positionable in the first opening to create a center opening having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. The security device includes a magnetically actuable locking mechanism and a housing having the magnetically actuable locking mechanism disposed therein. The locking mechanism includes a magnetically actuable latch, a belt configured to provide a latch mating element for the latch, and a flexible element to bias the magnetically actuable latch and the belt into a locked position. The housing includes a passageway which defines a belt pathway configured to slidingly receive the belt therein.

In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides a spacer for use in combination with a security device. The security device includes a portion defining a first opening having a first diameter. The spacer includes a channel arranged to receive the portion and a body defining a center opening having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter.

In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides a method for protecting an object from theft. The object has an elongated portion having a first diameter. A spacer is inserted into a first opening of a security device. The spacer has a center opening with a second diameter larger than the first diameter. The spacer is affixed around a circumference of the elongated portion of the object. The security device is tightened around the spacer to prevent the spacer from being removable from the object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates components of a security device and system, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a bottle cover, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a bottle cover, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a bottle cover, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a bottle cover, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of a bottle cover, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a bottle cover, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a bottle cover, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom view of a bottle cover, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a belt assembly, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a belt assembly, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a belt assembly, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a belt assembly, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 14 illustrates a portion of a belt assembly including a magnetically actuable latch and a flexible element, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a belt assembly, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 16 illustrates a top view of a belt assembly, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 17 illustrates a front view of a belt assembly, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of a belt assembly, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 19 illustrates an exploded view of a belt assembly, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of a security device for a bottle in a closed position, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 21 illustrates a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 20 in an open position;

FIG. 22A illustrates a front view of a golf club spacer for use with the security device of the present invention;

FIG. 22B illustrates a right profile view of a golf club spacer for use with the security device of the present invention;

FIG. 22C illustrates a rear view of a golf club spacer for use with the security device of the present invention;

FIG. 22D illustrates a left profile view of a golf club spacer for use with the security device of the present invention;

FIG. 22E illustrates a top view of a golf club spacer for use with the security device of the present invention;

FIG. 22F illustrates a bottom view of a golf club spacer for use with the security device of the present invention;

FIG. 23 illustrates a front/bottom/left side perspective view of a golf club spacer for use with the security device of the present invention;

FIG. 24 illustrates a rear/top/left side perspective view of a golf club spacer for use with the security device of the present invention;

FIG. 25 illustrates a front/bottom/left side perspective view of a golf club spacer assembled within the security device of the present invention;

FIG. 26 illustrates a rear/top/right side perspective view of a golf club spacer assembled within the security device of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the golf club spacer ofFIGS. 22-26 locked to a golf club;

FIG. 28 illustrates a front view of a bottle spacer assembled within the security device of the present invention;

FIG. 29 illustrates a side view of a bottle spacer assembled within the security device of the present invention;

FIG. 30 illustrates a perspective view of a bottle spacer assembled within the security device of the present invention;

FIG. 31 illustrates a perspective view of the bottle spacer ofFIGS. 28-30 locked to a bottle; and

FIG. 32 illustrates a side view of the bottle spacer ofFIGS. 28-30 locked to a bottle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments may be directed to apparatuses, systems and methods for pairing an article, such as a bottle, for example, with a security tag.

For example, one embodiment may include a security device comprising a locking mechanism, security tag, and a housing. The locking mechanism may comprise a magnetically actuable latch, a flexible element that biases the magnetically actuable latch toward a locking position, and a latch mating element that mates with at least a portion of the magnetically actuable latch in the locking position. As used herein, the “locking position” may refer to the position of the magnetically actuable latch in which it is partially or fully within a void of, in engagement with, joined with, or otherwise mated with the latch mating element. The housing may be a structure configured to partially or fully contain, enclose, or otherwise secure the locking mechanism, security tag, latch mating element, and the article to the housing. As secured, the magnetically actuable latch of the locking mechanism may mate with the latch mating element in the locking position to lock the housing, and thus the security tag with which the housing is secured, to the article. When the housing is locked, the security device may prevent or provide resistance to an attempt to separate the housing from the article. Another embodiment may include a security system comprising the security device and a detacher, which may be a device that includes a magnet. The detacher may be employed to unlock the housing by magnetically forcing the magnetically actuable latch away from the locking position.

It is worthy to note that any reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Numerous specific details may be set forth herein to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments. It can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments.

Referring now in detail to the drawings wherein like parts are designated by like reference numerals throughout, there is illustrated inFIG. 1 a front view of components that may be included in a security system1 and a security device2 in accordance with one embodiment. In this embodiment, the security system1 includes the security device2 and adetacher40. The security device2 may include alocking mechanism10,security tag20, andhousing30.

Thelocking mechanism10 may be a magnetically actuable locking mechanism, and may include a magneticallyactuable latch12,flexible element16, and latchmating element18.

Themagnetically actuable latch12 may include a base portion13, which may include abase portion end13A andside surfaces13B and13C; and a latchingportion14, which may include a latchingportion end14A; and acentral portion15.

Themagnetically actuable latch12 may have a substantially rectangular-shaped face such that the base portion13 has the same width as both the latchingportion14 andcentral portion15. Thus, the width of the base portion13, or the distance between the side surfaces13B and13C, may be the same as the corresponding widths of the latchingportion14 andcentral portion15. In other embodiments, the widths of the base portion13, latchingportion14, andcentral portion15 may differ. Themagnetically actuable latch12 may have a slender, uniform cross-section.

However, the magnetically actuablelatch12 may be configured as desired, may comprise one or more pieces, and may be symmetrical or unsymmetrical about any point, line, or plane. For example, in various embodiments themagnetically actuable latch12 may be configured with a “T”, “I”, curved, or other shape of face and with a rectangular, circular, thick, hollow or otherwise voided, and/or non-uniform cross-section, or as described herein with respect to embodiments of the magnetically actuablelatch12. In another embodiment, the latchingportion end14A of the magnetically actuablelatch12 may include one or more teeth, ribs, notches, jags, points, curves, voids, or other shapes such as those described herein with respect to embodiments of the magnetically actuablelatch12, while thebase portion end13A may be flat or another shape. In addition, thebase portion end13A may be continuous or discontinuous. Themagnetically actuable latch12 may be configured such that at least a portion of it, such as the latchingportion14, may engage, receive, insert into, or otherwise mate with thelatch mating element18, such as described herein.

In one embodiment, a security device2 includes multiple magnetically actuable latches12, which may be disposed, possibly each along with anotherflexible element16 and latchmating element18, in the same or different portions of the security device2. For example, in one embodiment, the multiple magnetically actuable latches12 may each cooperate with another portion of the security device2 to lock the portion, such as, for example, a portion securing an article or a portion securing asecurity tag20.

Themagnetically actuable latch12 may comprise or may be formed of a magnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, or an alloy of iron, nickel, or cobalt. In one embodiment, the magnetically actuablelatch12 includes one or more magnetic materials and may also include one or more nonmagnetic materials.

Theflexible element16 may be shaped as desired, such as in a cuboid, ellipsoid, coil, or any other shape such as described herein with respect to the embodiments of theflexible elements1516 and may include one or more pieces, or may be combined or integrally formed with themagnetically actuable latch12. In one embodiment, theflexible element16 may be shaped as a cantilever arm, such as, for example, a leaf spring. Theflexible element16 may comprise or may be formed of a flexible material such as a light, porous, semirigid, elastic, gaseous, and/or spongy material that may provide a resistant force when compressed and may partially or fully recover its uncompressed shape when the compressive force is removed. For example, in various embodiments, theflexible element16 may comprise or may be formed of a foam rubber, polymeric foam, ceramic foam, or other foam; a rubber; and/or another material or materials. Theflexible element16 may also or alternatively be configured to provide the resistant force when compressed. For example, in various embodiments theflexible element16 may be configured as a coil, leaf or other cantilevered arm, or other spring, or other like member, that comprises a metal, polymer, ceramic, and/or another material or materials. Theflexible element16 may have any of various masses.

Thelatch mating element18 may be configured as desired, such as with one or more holes or other voids, ribs, teeth, protrusions, or other shapes. Thelatch mating element18 may include one or more pieces, and may be separate from or integral with thehousing30, such as described herein. Thelatch mating element18 may be configured to engage, receive, insert into, or otherwise mate with at least a portion of the magnetically actuablelatch12. For example, in an embodiment where themagnetically actuable latch12 is a slender member with a rectangular shape of face, thelatch mating element18 may be configured with a void in which the latchingportion14 of the magnetically actuablelatch12 or a part thereof may be inserted into the locking position, as described herein. In an embodiment where themagnetically actuable latch12 is toothed at its latchingportion end14A, thelatch mating element18 may be configured with ribs that engage the teeth in the locking position.

Thesecurity tag20 may be any detectable device or system, such as any security tag or label. For example, in various embodiments thesecurity tag20 may be any type of EAS tag (e.g., Radio Frequency (RF) tag, acousto-magnetic tag, and/or combinations thereof), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, smart tag, or other detectable anti-theft or other tag. Thesecurity tag20 may be detectable by a corresponding detecting system or device, such as, depending on the type of security tag or label, an acousto-magnetic detector, electromagnetic detector, radio frequency detector, or other detector.

Thehousing30, as partially shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 1, may be any casing or other structure that partially or fully contains and/or surrounds, encloses, affixes to, interlocks with, or otherwise secures thelocking mechanism10 andsecurity tag20, and, when thelocking mechanism10 is in the locking position and the housing is thereby locked, an article. Thehousing30 andlocking mechanism10 may thus cooperate to secure, or lock, the article to thehousing30, and thus the security device2. Thehousing30 may be configured as desired, and may be shaped based upon the shapes of thelocking mechanism10,security tag20, and article for which it is designed to secure, such as described below with respect to embodiments of the housings1530 (SeeFIGS. 10-21). Thehousing30 may include thelatch mating element18, which may be integral with thehousing30. Thehousing30 may alternatively be configured to pair with thelatch mating element18. Thehousing30 may comprise a polymer and/or another material or materials.

The components included in the security device2 may be configured such that the security device2 may lock to an article, such as described with respect to the security device embodiments below. The security tag2 may be reusable or may be for one-time use.

FIGS. 2-5 illustrate perspective views of abottle hat1570, in accordance with one embodiment, and may be referred to where a corresponding element is discussed. Thebottle hat1570 may be shaped and sized to fit over at least a portion of a bottle, such as a wine, liquor, beer, perfume, cosmetic, or any other bottle, or any other container having a protruding neck-like structure with a mouth or other opening at its end. Thebottle hat1570 may include acup1572. Thecup1572 may be bounded by aside wall1574 and abase1576, which together may delineate acup opening1578. In one embodiment, theside wall1574 is cylindrical and thetop wall1576 is transversely positioned adjacent theside wall1574, delineating acup opening1578 having a substantially cylindrical shape.

However, in other embodiments, theside wall1574 andbase1576 may be variously shaped and dimensioned, or thecup1572 may have any other configuration sized to receive and contain at least a bottle mouth and any adjacent cap, cork, or other covering of the bottle mouth, or another element shaped like the bottle mouth and any adjacent covering. For example, in one embodiment, thecup1572 may not include abase1576, such as where the cup is dome shaped, for example. Thecup1572 may be further configured to contain some or all of any adjacent neck of the bottle through which its enclosed liquid may be released.

Thebottle hat1570 may also contain a receivingstructure1580 configured for receiving thebelt assembly1550. The receivingstructure1580 may extend from alid1573 of thecup1572 opposite the end in which thebase1576 is positioned.

In one embodiment, this receivingstructure1580 includes one or more legs. In one embodiment, this receivingstructure1580 includes three legs1581-1583 that extend from thelid1573 and are sized and shaped to be disposed around at least a portion of the neck of a bottle. The legs1581-1583 may have a similar structure and similarly extend from thecup1572, and so only theleg1581 is discussed herein. However, one or more of the legs1581-1583 may be differently configured or absent in various embodiments. In another embodiment, a continuous structure or any other structure that may receive thebelt assembly1550 may substitute for the one or more legs1581-1583.

Theleg1581 may form an extended portion of the side wall such that it has an arcuate shape. In an embodiment where theside wall1574 is cylindrical, theleg1581 may arc about a central axis of theside wall1574 such that it has a similar or substantially the same radius with respect to the central axis as that of theside wall1574. Theleg1581 may include abelt receiving channel1586 having belt receivingchannel walls1586A and1586B that may, in one embodiment, extend annularly from the central axis of theside wall1574.

Thebelt receiving channel1586 may include agroove1590 in thebelt receiving channel1586, into which thebelt assembly1550 may at least partially extend, such as described below. Thegroove1590 may extend along thebelt receiving channel1586 and may, in one embodiment, so extend such that it is equally spaced from the belt receivingchannel walls1586A and1586B. In one embodiment, the groove has a “V” shape. In various other embodiments, thegroove1590 may have a different shape and positioning, and may be shaped and positioned to receive at least a portion of thebelt assembly1550, such as discussed below.

Thebottle hat1570 may be made of plastic or any other material or combination of materials. In one embodiment, thebottle hat1570 comprises a rugged plastic. In another embodiment, the bottle hat may comprise an elastic material, such as a rubber, for example, or another material that may conform to the shape of the bottle neck or deform to fit around the bottle neck.

FIGS. 6-9 illustrate a top, front, side, and bottom view of thebottle hat1570, in accordance with one embodiment. As shown, in an embodiment where theside wall1574 of thebottle hat1570 is cylindrical, the legs1581-1583, if included, may have the same internal radius as that of theside wall1574.

FIGS. 10-14 illustrate perspective views of abelt assembly1550 or portion thereof, in accordance with one embodiment. Thebelt assembly1550 may include alocking mechanism1510, asecurity tag1520, ahousing1530, and asecurity belt1560. Thelocking mechanism1510 may include amagnetically actuable latch1512, aflexible element1516, and alatch mating element1518, such as described below.

Reference is first made toFIGS. 12 and 14.FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of thebelt assembly1550 showing the magneticallyactuable locking mechanism1512 and theflexible element1516 of thelocking mechanism1510 disposed in thelocking mechanism pouch1531, in accordance with one embodiment.FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the housing including the magneticallyactuable locking mechanism1512 and theflexible element1516, in accordance with one embodiment.

Referring toFIGS. 12 and 14, themagnetically actuable latch1512 may comprise a magnetic material, and may comprise one or more materials, such as described with respect to themagnetically actuable latch12 ofFIG. 1. Themagnetically actuable latch1512 may include abase portion1513, which may include abase portion end1513A and baseportion side surfaces1513B and1513C; a latchingportion1514, which may include a latchingportion end1514A; and a central portion1515.

Themagnetically actuable latch1512 may be shaped at least partially like an “I” or a “T” or any other shape. Thus, the baseportion side surfaces1513B and1513C may be parallel and each may be at least substantially straight. The width of thebase portion1513, which may be the distance between baseportion side surfaces1513B and1513C, may be wider than the corresponding width of the central portion1515 but similar to the corresponding width of the latchingportion1514. Thebase portion end1513A may be flat and may be substantially perpendicular to the baseportion side surfaces1513B and1513C. Themagnetically actuable latch1512 may be configured with a slender thickness.

Themagnetically actuable latch1512 may include one ormore protrusions1551. The one ormore protrusions1551 may be positioned at least partially in thelatch portion1514 of themagnetically actuable latch1512, and may have ends at the latchingportion end1514A.

In one embodiment, the one ormore protrusions1551 may include one or more teeth. In one embodiment, for example, theprotrusions1551 may include five teeth1552-1556 in one embodiment. The one or more teeth may also be viewed in the embodiment ofFIG. 19. In this embodiment, the teeth1552-1556 may have a similar structure and be similarly aligned in themagnetically actuable latch1512. Therefore, only the tooth1552 is discussed in detail below. However, one or more of the teeth1552 may be differently configured or absent in various embodiments.

The tooth1552 may havesides1552A and1552B that may be relatively angled such that they meet at, or terminate near, thetooth end1552C. Thetooth end1552C may thus be pointed.

Theside1552A may be at least substantially parallel to corresponding sides of teeth1553-1556, as may be theside1552B and the corresponding sides of1553-1556. Theside1552A may be angled with respect to the base portion side surfaces1513B-1513C of thebase portion1513 and/or the one or both of the corresponding sides of the latchingportion1514 and central portion1515 of themagnetically actuable latch1512. Theside1552B may be substantially perpendicular or less angled (than theside1552A) with respect to the base portion side surfaces1513B-1513C of thebase portion1513 and the corresponding sides of the latchingportion1514 and central portion1515. The teeth1552-1556 may be equally spaced or non-uniformly spaced. In one embodiment, the angles in the tooth sides1552A and1552B may vary in different teeth, or any combination of angles may be used.

However, the one ormore protrusions1551 may comprise other configurations. For example, the one ormore protrusions1551 may comprise one or more ribs, notches, jags, points, curves, or voids, for example. The one ormore protrusions1551 may be positioned at least partially on the latchingportion1514 of the latch and may comprise the latchingportion end1514A. The one ormore protrusions1551 may be configured to mate with thelatch mating element1518 in the locking position, such as described below.

Themagnetically actuable latch1512 can also be configured to prevent the insertion of an unauthorized object into thebelt path1536 in an attempt to displace themagnetically actuable latch1512 from the locked position. In the illustrated embodiment, themagnetically actuable latch1512 includes atamper defeat notch1512A (FIGS. 12 and 14) which prevents the manipulation of an intrusive implement within the device. The function of the tamper-defeat notch1512A is described in detail hereinafter.

Themagnetically actuable latch1512 may be otherwise configured in various embodiments, such as described herein with respect to themagnetically actuable latch12 shown inFIG. 1.

Theflexible element1516 may comprise or be formed of a flexible material, and may include a material or materials such as described herein with respect to theflexible element16 shown inFIG. 1. Theflexible element1516, in one embodiment, may be configured with a substantially cuboidal shape such that itsside1516A is wider than itsside1516B, or may have another shape. In various other embodiments, theflexible element1516 may be configured as, and comprise one or more materials of, a coil or other spring or like member, such as described above with respect to themagnetically actuable latch12 ofFIG. 1.

Thelatch mating element1518 may be included in thesecurity belt1560, and may be separate from or integral with thehousing1530. Thelatch mating element1518 may extend along thesecurity belt1560, such as described herein. In one embodiment, thelatch mating element1518 may include one ormore voids1590. In one embodiment, themagnetically actuable latch1512 may mate with thelatch mating element1518 in the locking position when the one or more teeth orother protrusions1551 extend into the one ormore voids1590.

The one ormore voids1590 may be delineated by one ormore juts1592, which may be protrusions such as described herein with respect to theprotrusions1551. Thejuts1592 may also be viewed in the embodiment of FIGS.15 and17-19. The one ormore juts1592 may each comprisejut sides1594 and1596, which may be non-parallel in one embodiment. For example, in one embodiment, the jut sides1594 may be substantially perpendicular or close to perpendicular to the tangential direction along the length of thelatch mating element1518, whereas the jut sides1596 may have an angle that is that is acute, such as 45 degrees for example, relative to this length. Such a configuration may facilitate urging thelatch mating element1518 further into thehousing1530 and along thebelt path1536 in one direction but not the other, opposing direction, such as described below.

However, thelatch mating element1518 may be otherwise configured, such as with one or more ribs, notches, jags, points, curves, or voids, for example, to mate with themagnetically actuable latch1512 in the locking position. For example, in one embodiment, thelatch mating element1518 may be configured with one ormore voids1590 shaped like or somewhat like that of the one ormore protrusions1551 of themagnetically actuable latch1512. Thus, at least one void1590 may receive at least oneprotrusion1551 or a portion thereof, which may prevent or inhibit movement of thelatch mating element1518 along thebelt path1536 and out of theend1540B of thebelt path wall1540 and thus thebelt path1536, such as described below.

In one embodiment, thelatch mating element1518 is deformable and may include a plastic or a rubber, for example. Such a deformable property may facilitate moving thelatch mating element1518 against themagnetically actuable latch1512 as described below.

In another embodiment, thelatch mating element1518 comprises a penetrable material such as rubber or a soft plastic, and themagnetically actuable latch1512 may includeprotrusions1551, such as pointed teeth. These protrusions may dig into thelatch mating element1518 where themagnetically actuable latch1512 is in the locking position and thelatch mating element1518 may thus provide resistance to a force urging movement out of theend1540B of thebelt path1536.

Referring toFIGS. 10 and 11, which illustrate perspective views of abelt assembly1550 of thehousing1530 may include one or more of alocking mechanism pouch1531,security tag chamber1532, lockingmechanism cover1534, andbelt path1536 configured to receive alocking mechanism1510 portion, cover thelocking mechanism pouch1531, receive thesecurity tag1520, cover thelocking mechanism pouch1531, and receive thesecurity belt1560, respectively.

Thelocking mechanism pouch1531 may be shaped to receive themagnetically actuable latch1512 andflexible element1516 of thelocking mechanism1510. In one embodiment, thelocking mechanism pouch1531 is secured to and extends from thebelt assembly1550. Thelocking mechanism pouch1531 may be integral with thebelt path1536 or other portion of thehousing1530 or otherwise secured thereto, such as by welding, fusing, gluing, snap-fit, interference fit, and/or by other securing means.

Thelocking mechanism pouch1531 of thebelt assembly1550 may be configured such that themagnetically actuable latch1512 andflexible element1516 of thelocking mechanism1510 may be adjacently disposed therein. Thus, thebase portion end1513A of themagnetically actuable latch1512 may be positioned near or in abutment with theflexible element1516. With such a configuration, the movement of themagnetically actuable latch1512 andflexible element1516 may be restricted in one or more directions.

For example, thelocking mechanism pouch1531 may include achannel end wall1565,channel walls1566 and1568, and achannel1564 delineated bychannel walls1566 and1568 and bounded by thechannel end wall1565. Thechannel walls1566 and1568 may include portions substantially parallel to each other, and may be positioned close to or in contact with themagnetically actuable latch1512 at the baseportion side surfaces1513B and1513C and at the sides of the central and latchingportions1515 and1514, respectively, thereby restricting the movement of themagnetically actuable latch1512 to movement along thechannel1564, which may be movement in a substantially linear direction, for example.

In various other embodiments, the magnetically actuable latch912 may move in a rotational, combination rotational/linear direction, or any other direction or directions. In these various other embodiments, one or more of the channel964, flexible element916, and latch mating element918 may be contoured, shaped, or otherwise configured to guide the magnetically actuable latch912 in the direction or directions.

Theflexible element1516 may be positioned adjacent thechannel end wall1565 such that where themagnetically actuable latch1512 is forced away from the locking position and against theflexible element1516, theflexible element1516 may compress by the force of themagnetically actuable latch1512 and the resistant force of thechannel end wall1565. Theflexible element1516 may provide a resistant force to such compression, against such movement of themagnetically actuable latch1512.

As described above, in each of various embodiments themagnetically actuable latch1512 may be configured with another shape, in which case thechannel1564, and thus thechannel walls1566 and1568, may be configured to accommodate such amagnetically actuable latch1512 and possibly restrict the movement of themagnetically actuable latch1512 in one or more directions. In each of these embodiments, theflexible element1516 may be configured to fit within thechannel1564.

Thus, theflexible element1516 of thelocking mechanism1510 may bias themagnetically actuable latch1512 into the locking position where the teeth1552-1556 or other one ormore protrusions1551 of themagnetically actuable latch1512 may engage thejuts1592 of thelatch mating element1518 portion disposed in thebelt path1536 of thebelt assembly1550. Such a configuration may prevent or provide resistance to movement of thelatch mating element1518 out of thebelt path1536 and thus thesecurity device1502.

For example, in one embodiment, where a tooth1552 of themagnetically actuable latch1512 is disposed in the locking position between twojuts1592, theadjacent jut side1594 may be substantially parallel or have a small angle relative to thetooth side1552B. But thejut side1594 andtooth side1552B may be substantially perpendicular or close to perpendicular to the direction in which thelatch mating element1518 moves by via thebelt path1536 as constrained by thebelt path walls1540. Thus, where a force is applied to thelatch mating element1518 to pull it out of thebelt path1536, thelatch mating element1518 may move until thejut side1594 andtooth side1552B contact and exert opposing substantially or close to normal forces on each other. In such case, thelatch mating element1518 may be prevented or inhibited from being pulled out of thebelt path1536.

However, in one embodiment, such a configuration may not prevent or may provide less resistance to movement of thelatch mating element1518 into and along thebelt path1536 of thebelt assembly1550. Thus, thetooth side1552A andadjacent jut side1596 may be angled relative to the direction of movement of thelatch mating element1518 along thebelt path1536. Where a force is applied to thelatch mating element1518 to urge it further into and along thebelt path1536, thelatch mating element1518 may move until thejut side1596 andtooth side1552A contact. In such case, thejut side1596 may urge thetooth side1552A and thus the appended tooth1552 and magneticallyactuable latch1512 away from the locking position, facilitating moving thelatch mating element1518 along the belt path.

Additionally, when thejut side1596 andtooth side1552A contact, these elements may exert much lesser opposing normal forces than those of thejut side1594 andtooth side1552B, and if the outer material of thelatch mating element1518 is deformable as discussed herein, thelatch mating element1518 may be more easily moved. Movement may be made by a force greater than any normal force, plus other forces such as discussed above.

This force to move more of thelatch mating element1518 of thesecurity belt1560 into and along thebelt path1536 may be lower, and may be much lower, than the force to move thelatch mating element1518 out of thebelt path1536. Thus, for example, this lower force may be manageably exerted in one embodiment by a person, such that the person may tighten thelatch mating element1518 and thus constrict thebelt path wall1540 of thebelt assembly1550 around a bottle neck. In embodiments where themagnetically actuable latch1512 hasmultiple protrusions1551 and thelatch mating element1518 hasmultiple juts1592 or other one or more protrusions, the opposing forces caused by allprotrusions1551 and juts1592 in contact may need to be overcome. This force may still be such that a person can manageably force thelatch mating element1518 further into and along thebelt path1536.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of abelt assembly1550 showing thesecurity tag1520. Referring toFIG. 13 along withFIGS. 10-12, thesecurity tag chamber1532 of the housing may be shaped to enclose a security tag, such as thesecurity tag1520. In one embodiment, thesecurity tag1520 is a slender elongated member, and thesecurity tag chamber1532 has perimeter walls that delineate an internal void shaped to closely hold thesecurity tag1520. However, in various other embodiments, thesecurity tag chamber1532 may be variously configured to enclose or otherwise secure thesecurity tag1520 or a security tag of any other shape.

Thesecurity tag chamber1532 may be secured to thebelt path wall1540 or otherwise with the rest of thehousing1530, such as by any way described above with respect to thelocking mechanism pouch1531 above. In one embodiment, thesecurity tag chamber1532 may be slidably affixed to thebelt path wall1540. As secured, thesecurity tag chamber1532 may prevent or increase the difficulty of removing thesecurity tag1520 from thehousing1530 and thus any bottle that may be secured to thebottle security device1502.

Thelocking mechanism cover1534, such as shown inFIGS. 10-11, may comprise a structure configured to be positioned on thelocking mechanism pouch1531 and over theflexible element1516 and at least a portion, such as an exposed portion, of themagnetically actuable latch1512. Thelocking mechanism cover1534 may be secured to thebelt assembly1550 such as by any way described above with respect to lockingmechanism pouch1531 or otherwise herein. As secured, thelocking mechanism cover1534 may prevent or increase the difficulty of removing themagnetically actuable latch1512 from thehousing1530.

In one embodiment, thelocking mechanism pouch1531 and thelocking mechanism cover1534 may, as secured, be called a locking mechanism chamber. The locking mechanism chamber may at least partially enclose and thereby secure themagnetically actuable latch1512 and theflexible element1516 of thelocking mechanism1510 to thebottle security device1502.

Referring toFIGS. 10-14, thebelt path1536 may comprise abelt path wall1540 and abelt path1536 delineated by thebelt path wall1540. Thebelt path wall1540 may be configured with a shape and material or materials allowing thebelt path wall1540 to constrict around a bottle neck or other article to thereby secure the bottle to thehousing1530 and thus thebottle security device1502. In one embodiment, thebelt path wall1540 may include a portion of thesecurity belt1560.

In one embodiment, the portion of thebelt path wall1540 that may contact a bottle secured by thebottle security device1502 is thebottle securing surface1542. In an embodiment, thebottle securing surface1542 may have at least a portion of an annulus or another curved shape that may conform to thebottle belt channel1568 and to tighten thebottle hat1570 around a circular or otherwise curved shape of a bottle neck when constricted. In one embodiment, thebottle securing surface1542 may constrict directly around the bottle neck, and thebottle hat1570 may not be used.

In one embodiment, thebelt path wall1540 may comprise a plastic or other material or materials that are bendable, extendable, deformable, or otherwise capable of such constriction. In one embodiment, thebelt path wall1540 comprises a material capable of such and constriction and which is at least somewhat resilient. Such a configuration may allow thebelt path wall1540 to return to its unconstricted shape or a similar shape such that the bottle security device may be reused.

Thebelt path wall1540 may also be shaped to receive thesecurity belt1560 described herein. In one embodiment, thebelt path wall1540 delineates an annular or otherwisecurved belt path1536 of a substantially uniform thickness. Thisbelt path1536 may have substantially the same curve as the exterior of thebelt path wall1540 in one embodiment. However, in other embodiments, thebelt path wall1540 may have various thicknesses and alignments. Such varying thicknesses and alignments may be accomplished without changing the shape of thebottle securing surface1542 by varying the configuration of one or more other surfaces of thebelt path wall1540.

In one embodiment, thebelt path wall1540 may be configured to be constricted around thebottle hat1570, which may surround at least a portion of the bottle and may thus constrict around the bottle. Such a configuration may thus secure the bottle to thebottle hat1570 andbelt path wall1540, and thus to thebottle security device1502. Thebottle securing surface1542 may be shaped such that it can be partially disposed in the belt receiving channel or channels (e.g.,1586 of the leg1581) of the one or more legs1581-1583. In one embodiment, thebottle securing surface1542 includes one or more ridges1544 configured to extend into the one or more grooves (e.g.,1590 of the leg1581) of the legs1581-1583, which may align thebottle securing surface1542 with thebottle hat1570 when disposed around it.

Thebelt path wall1540 may include twoends1540A and1540B. In one embodiment, handles1546 and1547 extend from the two ends1540A and1540B, and may facilitate constricting the belt.

Thesecurity belt1560 may be shaped such that it may be fed into and along the belt path. In one embodiment, at least part of thesecurity belt1560 is an elongated element that may be curved in shape. Thesecurity belt1560 may be, in one embodiment, shaped with a curve that is the same or similar to that of thebelt path1536, which may facilitate moving it along thebelt path1536. However, thesecurity belt1560 may be otherwise shaped.

In various embodiments,security belt1560 may comprise one or more materials in any configuration. For example, in one embodiment, thesecurity belt1560 includes a plastic outer layer and metal inner layer. The metal and plastic components may separable or inseparable. For example, the metal and plastic components may be bonded, press-fit, co-molded, inserted, and/or coated. The metal portion may strengthen thesecurity belt1560 and prevent or inhibit breaking or otherwise separating portions of thesecurity belt1560, and thus prevent or inhibit unlocking thebottle security device1502 from any bottle to which it may be secured. The metal may be beaded, stranded, flat-wire, partially cylindrical, or may be formed in any suitable way to reinforce thesecurity belt1560 and possibly also to allow or provide flexibility in thesecurity belt1560.

Thesecurity belt1560 may be integral with or otherwise attached to thebelt assembly1550. For example, in one embodiment, thesecurity belt1560 is integral with or otherwise attached to thebelt assembly1550 within thebelt path1536 to thebelt path wall1540 at one of the ends of thesecurity belt1560. In this embodiment, thesecurity belt1560 may extend, from its attached end, out theend1540A of thebelt path1536 and then back into thebelt path1536 at theend1540A. Thus, thesecurity belt1560 may branch the two ends1540A and1540B such that thebelt path wall1540 andsecurity belt1560 may continuously surround a portion, such as the neck, of a bottle. However, in one embodiment, the two ends1540A and1540B may be positioned at any points along the circumference of thebelt assembly1550. For example, theend1540A may comprise or be adjacent a side of thelocking mechanism pouch1531, and1540A may be located at or near or at an opposite side.

In one embodiment, thehandles1546 and1547 may be engaged and urged toward each other to move the attachedsecurity belt1560 farther into and along thebelt path1536 to constrict thebelt path wall1540 about a bottle neck or other portion. As described below, when moving in this direction, portions of thelatch mating element1518 that may include thesecurity belt1560 may contact but move past themagnetically actuable latch1512 without significant resistance. However, movement in the opposite direction may be prevented or met with greater resistance such that thebelt path wall1540 may remain in the constricted position after thehandles1546 and1547 have been released. Thus, thesecurity belt1560 andbelt path wall1540 may cooperate to fixedly secure the bottle mouth and portion of the neck to thebottle security device1502. In one embodiment, forcibly removing the such a configuredbottle security device1502 may break the bottle, since the force to remove thebottle security device1502 may be greater than the force to break the bottle, such as where the bottle is formed of glass.

FIGS. 15-19 illustrate a perspective, top, side, side, and exploded view of abottle security device1602, in accordance with one embodiment. Thesecurity device1602 may be similarly configured with ahousing1530 but may include asecurity tag chamber1632 that may be disposed sideways in thebelt assembly1650 relative to the positioning of thesecurity tag chamber1532 in thebelt assembly1550 described above. Thebelt assembly1650 may include abottom housing1650A andtop housing1650B that may welded, fused, snap-fit or otherwise secured together to provide resistance to or prevent at attempt to open it. As can be seen inFIG. 19, themagnetically actuable latch1512 includes a tamper-defeat notch1512A which prevents insertion of an implement into thebelt path1536 to defeat the device.

FIGS. 20-21 illustrate an embodiment of asecurity device2002 in which the housing is1530 configured with lockingmechanism cover1534 adjacent to thesecurity tag chamber1532. Thesecurity tag chamber1532 contains a detectable element such an EAS label.FIG. 21 depicts a partial cross-sectional view of thelocking mechanism1510 and thesecurity tag chamber1532. As in the embodiments described previously, thelocking mechanism1510 may include amagnetically actuable latch1512, aflexible element1516, and alatch mating element1518. Theflexible element1516 may be configured as a coil or other spring or like member. In the illustrated embodiment, theflexible member1516 is a coil spring. The housing includes a passageway therein which provides a belt pathway slidingly receive thesecurity belt1560. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing includes anaperture2072 contiguous to the belt pathway, and thesecurity belt1560 can be inserted into the belt pathway through theaperture2072.

The housing includes a lockingmember2070 movable between an open or expanded position (FIG. 21) and a closed position (FIG. 20). In the closed position, the lockingmember2070 provides anannular opening2071 adapted to engage the neck of a bottle. In one embodiment, the lockingmember2070 includes aproximal end2070A fixedly attached to the housing (or integrally formed with the housing), and a freedistal end2070B which has at least a portion of thesecurity belt1560 extending there from. In the illustrated embodiment, theproximal end2070A is pivotally attached to the housing, allowing the lockingmember2070 to be rotated outward to open the device. The lockingmember2070 shown inFIGS. 20-21 has a semi-annular configuration and is formed in from a rigid material. In other embodiments, the lockingmember20 can be formed from other materials and in different configurations, depending on the nature of the article to be protected.

Thesecurity belt1560 can be selectively inserted through theaperture2072 into the belt pathway to form theannular opening2071. In the illustrated embodiment, theopen locking member2070 is rotated inward until thesecurity belt1560 is inserted into theaperture2072 and can be engaged with thelatch1512 vialatch mating element1518.

Although embodiments of the present invention are described herein in relation to a bottle tag implementation, the principles of the present invention are not limited to such. The present invention may also apply to any irregularly shaped object having a shaft, elongated portion or other shape/configuration where a belt-based security tag can be securely affixed. It is contemplated that the embodiments of thesecurity device1502 may have anannular opening2071 with a diameter that is too large to accommodate bottles and other objects with narrow diameter necks. Such is the case because the size of thehousing1530 and thesecurity tag chamber1532 may be too large to allow a radius of curvature for thebelt assembly1550 and opening to install thedevice1502 in a manner that will lock thedevice1502 to the object to be secured. Accordingly, referring toFIGS. 22-32, in accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides spacers that can be positioned between the object to be secured, e.g., a golf club, bottle, etc., and thesecurity device1502 such that thesecurity device1502 can be securely locked onto the object. The spacer is positionable inside theannular opening2071 of the security device such that resultant diameter of the center opening through which the object to be secured is less than the diameter of theannular opening2071 in thesecurity device1502.

In accordance with one aspect, referring toFIGS. 22-26, agolf club spacer2202 is provided to lock thesecurity device1502 onto the shaft of agolf club2700.Golf club spacer2202 is made of a resilient material, such as a plastic, rubber or other polymer that can be squeezed by thebelt assembly1550 during installation to securely lock thedevice1502 onto thegolf club shaft2700. It is contemplated thatgolf club spacer2202 can be molded as a single piece.Golf club spacer2202 includes aspacer opening2204 to allow theinner diameter2206 to be narrowed when thegolf club spacer2202 is squeezed by thesecurity device1502. Lockingprotrusions2208 allow thediameter2206 to be readily adjusted in a manner that will provide substantially even pressure to the golf club shaft throughout the circumference of the golf club to prevent the ability of a thief to work the combined spacer2202 anddevice1502 of off the golf club shaft.Golf club spacer2202 also includes abelt channel2210 to receive and retain thebelt assembly1550. A substantiallyrigid portion2212 is adapted to contact thesecurity tag compartment1532 and latchhousing1534 in a manner that will not allow thegolf club spacer2202 to be separated from thesecurity device1502 once installed on agolf club2700.Bridge2214 provides a stop against which thehousing1530 can rest as to prevent rotation of thedevice1502 around thegolf club spacer2202. Thebelt assembly1550 can be routed under thebridge2214 to provide further security against separation of thegold club spacer2202 and thesecurity device1502 when installed on a golf club.Housing retention channel2216 provides a region to secure thesecurity tag compartment1532 and latchhousing1534 in a manner that will not allow thegolf club spacer2202 to be separated from thesecurity device1502 once installed on a golf club.FIGS. 25 and 26 are perspective views showing thegolf club spacer2202 inserted intosecurity device1502.FIG. 27 showsgolf club spacer2202 andsecurity device1502 locked onto agolf club2700.

In accordance with the present invention, abottle spacer2802 is also provided to integrate with thesecurity device1502 to allow attachment to bottles having neck diameters too small to allow attachment and locking for the security device itself. Such abottle spacer2802 is explained with reference toFIGS. 28-32.

Bottle spacer2802 is made of a resilient material, such as a plastic, rubber or other polymer that can be squeezed by thebelt assembly1550 during installation to securely lock thedevice1502 onto the bottle neck. It is contemplated thatbottle spacer2802 can be molded as a single piece. Thebottle spacer2802 includes aspacer opening2804 to allow theinner diameter2806 to be narrowed when thebottle spacer2802 is squeezed by thesecurity device1502.Connector segment2808 couples halves2810A and2810B together in a manner that allows the bottle spacer to be opened widely for installation on the bottle and allows thediameter2806 to be readily adjusted in a manner that will provide enough pressure to the bottle neck shaft throughout the circumference of the neck to prevent the ability of a thief to work the combined spacer2802 anddevice1502 of off the golf club shaft. As is shown inFIGS. 29 and 30, bottle spacer3402 also includes a belt channel2812 to receive and retain thebelt assembly1550. Thebottle spacer2802 includeslip protrusions2814 along the upper and lower edges of the outer circumference to define the belt channel2812 retain thespacer2802 in position and prevent separation from thesecurity device1502 even if theconnecter segment2808 is cut.

Bridge2816 provides a stop against which thehousing1530 can rest as to prevent rotation of thedevice1502 around thebottle spacer2802. Thebelt assembly1550 can be routed under thebridge2816 to provide further security against separation of thebottle spacer2802 and thesecurity device1502 when installed on a bottle.FIGS. 31 and 32 show thebottle spacer2802 and thesecurity device1502 locked onto a bottle.

Of note, although the above descriptions refer to a “golf club spacer” and a “bottle spacer,” these spacers are not limited to use solely in connection with these objects. Such designations are provided for convenience of explanation only. It is contemplated that other uses for these spacers can be made. For example the “bottle spacer” may be suitable for use to protect other objects having substantially bottle-neck shaped affixation points such as a luggage handle or baseball bat. Similarly, the “golf club spacer” may be suitable to protect fishing poles, baseball bats, and similarly shaped objects. It is also contemplated that the “golf club spacer”2802 may be suitable for use to secure certain bottle types and that the “bottle spacer”3402 may be suitable for use to secure certain golf club types. Smaller versions of thesecurity device1502 andgolf club spacer2802 may be fashioned to fit around the heel of a high-heeled shoe or any object having an elongated portion. Similarly, althoughspacers2202 and2802 are shown as having a round center opening, the invention is not limited to such. It is contemplated that objects having shapes other than round can be secured by arranging the center opening in the spacer to match the shape of the object being secured.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is limited only by the following claims.

Claims (16)

1. A security system, comprising:

a security device, the security device defining a first opening having a first diameter and having:

a belt having a latch mating element;

a magnetically actuable locking mechanism, the locking mechanism including:

a magnetically actuable latch; and

a flexible element to bias the magnetically actuable latch and the belt into a locked position; and

a housing having the magnetically actuable locking mechanism disposed therein, the housing including a passageway therein defining a belt pathway configured to slidingly receive the belt therein; and

a spacer, the spacer being removably positionable in the first opening to create a center opening having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter.

2. The security system ofclaim 1, wherein the spacer includes a channel arranged to receive the belt.

3. The security system ofclaim 1, wherein the spacer includes a bridge under which the belt is routable.

4. The security system ofclaim 1, wherein the center opening is defined by a plurality of inward protrusions.

5. The security system ofclaim 1, wherein the spacer is comprised of a first half, a second half and a connecting segment, the first half being coupled to the second half by the connecting segment.

6. The security system ofclaim 1, wherein the spacer is comprised of a resilient material, the spacer having a spacer opening, the second diameter being adjustable based on the spacer opening.

7. The security system ofclaim 6, wherein the spacer opening is adjusted based on the diameter of the first opening in the security device.

8. The security system ofclaim 1, wherein the spacer is attachable to an elongated portion of an object.

9. The security system ofclaim 1, wherein the spacer is attachable to one of a golf club, a baseball bat, a shoe and a fishing pole.

10. A spacer for use in combination with a security device, the security device including a portion defining a first opening having a first diameter, the spacer comprising:

a channel arranged to receive the portion; and

a body defining a center opening having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter,

the spacer being removably positionable in the first opening.

11. The spacer ofclaim 10, further comprising a bridge under which the portion is routable.

12. The spacer ofclaim 10, wherein the center opening is defined by a plurality of inward protrusions.

13. The spacer ofclaim 10, wherein the body comprises:

a first half;

a second half; and

a connecting segment, the first half being coupled to the second half by the connecting segment.

14. The spacer ofclaim 13, wherein the first half and the second half define a spacer opening, the second diameter being adjustable based on the spacer opening.

15. The spacer ofclaim 10, wherein the spacer opening is adjustable based on the diameter of the first opening in the security device.

16. The spacer ofclaim 10, wherein the spacer is attachable to a substantially bottle-neck shaped affixation point on an object.

Images